The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 398 Insatiable Ambition

Ashley stood up, smoothing her expression before bowing respectfully to the Queen Mother

Just now, as I was listening. I heard Your Majesty refute the Queen Grandmother’s argument by bringin up how you once took control of the court. In principle, that’s not wrong. However, I believe decisions should be made according to the times. Back then, when the late King passed away, the Prince Regent with misfortune, and His Majesty had only just ascended the throne. The court was unstable, the royal family was vast yet divided, and enemies lurked in the shadows. Under such circumstances, Your Majesty stepping forward to stabilize the situation was both the best and the only option. I can only imagine the struggles and resistance you must have faced.

“But today, things are different. The marquisate has always passed from father to son, never to a daughter Geoffrey has no biological son, but Clark was formally adopted–he mourned Geoffrey as a son, donned mourning garb, and even accompanied his remains back home. Since he fulfilled the duties of a son, he should also inherit the rights of one. Even if Clark were not an option, there are still other male heirs within the Langley family who could rightfully inherit the title. But if the marquicate were passed to the princess instead, the rest of the Langley clan would certainly object. If things spiral out of control, the consequences could be difficult to contain.”

“Difficult to contain?” The King’s brow furrowed. “If I issue an imperial decree, who would dare challenge it

Ashley pressed forward. “Your Majesty, open rebellion may not occur, but unrest is inevitable. While the marquisate belonged to Geoffrey, to the family, it represents their collective honor. They may not dare defy you openly, but Geoffrey had brothers, cousins–men who followed his lead. And now, you ask them to pledge allegiance to a niece? They will never accept it. Even if they do not voice their discontent, they could make things difficult for Isolde in secret. What is meant as Your Majesty’s favor may, in the end, become her greatest burden.”

In truth, Ashley had simply rephrased Catherine’s earlier argument. She hadn’t anticipated the King would ask for her opinion, so she had no prior understanding of the matter. Forced to improvise, she merely reiterated what she had heard.

The King fell into deep thought for a moment before nodding. “You make a valid point. I have made my decision.”

Ashley exhaled in relief, a sense of triumph swelling in her chest.

She hadn’t expected her words to carry such weight with the King. That was truly beyond her wildest expectations.

Her eyes flickered to Isolde, who kept her head lowered, silent and seemingly dissatisfied. Ashley’s satisfaction only grew.

But Catherine was far less pleased. She cast a disapproving glance at Ashley and said coolly. “What you said wasn’t wrong, but even if His Majesty asked for your opinion, you should have known better than to speak so freely.”

had stolen credit for her argument. After all,

me, Your Majesty.

398 Insatiable Ambition

decided, let this matter rest. Ashley. Souble you

Isoble–you

leave.”

bowed. “Yes,

her display today, the King would undoubtedly summon her tonight. She needed to return

and curisied. “Your Majesty, I take my leave”

of them had left. Thelma remarked indifferently. “Let her

was thinking

had assumed that Ashley’s display of obedience would win her the King favor. Confused,

just entered the palace, and she’s already speaking so much. Do you think that’s

decorum. Did she really think the King w sincerely asking for her opinion? She rattled on endlessly, and it was

“Mother, that Duke title must go to

in shock. “Why? I

Thelma, his eyes twinkling. “I said we’d discuss it later. And now, well who

you came here today

male or female? Isolde is capable–more than capable. In

now is the time to bolster Oliver and Isolde’s standing. Otherwise, the military will continue to stagnate. The older